Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a psychoeducative intervention implemented in a summer camp for children with type 1 diabetes.
Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted comparing 2 groups of children with type 1 diabetes. The intervention group (n = 34) received interventions that addressed knowledge, behaviors, skills, and psychological factors during a summer camp. The control group (n = 23) received the usual education and care. Evaluated measurements were glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C), diabetes knowledge, anxiety, psychological adaptation, and use of health care services.
Results: No significant changes in A1C annual average, body mass index (BMI), diabetes knowledge, anxiety, medical visits, or hospital admissions were observed after the intervention in comparison with before intervention. Only the adaptation to the school environment improved significantly. The control group significantly increased BMI and A1C.
Conclusions: No relevant variations in diabetes knowledge, anxiety, psychological adaptation, or use of health care services were found after the psychoeducative intervention implemented in the summer camp. Future studies with random allocation of subjects are necessary to confirm the intervention's effectiveness.